Mobility scooter Rotterdam: buy, rent, WMO & compensation (2026)

Arranging a mobility scooter in Rotterdam is quicker than many people think. Whether you want to apply for a WMO (Social Support Act) through the municipality, buy a model for daily use, or rent one for a few days — there are three clear routes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this guide, we explain exactly how it works: the WMO procedure at the Municipality of Rotterdam, the cost of a good mobility scooter, how to choose between a 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler, or foldable model, and where to go in and around Rotterdam for advice, a test drive, and service. IVA Mobility has been supplying scooters and mobility scooters to the Municipality of Rotterdam for years from our service point in Dordrecht — which is why we share the practical knowledge we have gained in the process here.

Contents

• Buying, renting, or arranging a mobility scooter through the WMO in Rotterdam
• Mobility scooter via the Municipality of Rotterdam (WMO): how the application works
• Which mobility scooter suits you? 3-wheel, 4-wheel, or foldable
• Buying a mobility scooter in Rotterdam: prices, models, and home test drive
• Maintenance, repair, and service for your mobility scooter in Rotterdam
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key takeaways

• In Rotterdam, you arrange a mobility scooter via three routes: buying, renting, or applying for a WMO (Social Support Act) benefit from the municipality.
• The WMO route is intended for people who cannot travel independently due to a disability; the Municipality of Rotterdam assesses this via a kitchen table conversation.
• A new mobility scooter will typically cost between in 2026 € 1.999 and € 5.999, depending on type and range.
• 3-wheelers have a tighter turning radius, 4-wheelers are more stable, and foldable models fit in the car or metro.
• IVA Mobility delivers to homes throughout Rotterdam, offers home test drives, and has its own technical service for maintenance and repairs.

Buying, renting, or arranging a mobility scooter through the WMO in Rotterdam

There are three ways to arrange a mobility scooter in Rotterdam: you buy one yourself, you rent one for a defined period, or you apply for one from the municipality via the Social Support Act (WMO). Which route is smart depends on your situation, your budget, and how long you need the vehicle.

Buying it yourself offers the most freedom. You choose the model that suits you, you are the owner, and there is no waiting time. This is particularly interesting if you know you will be using the mobility scooter regularly, or if you want to share it across multiple households. Our mobility scooter range starts at around the € 1.999 for an entry-level model and goes up to about € 5.999 for a 4-wheeler with a long range.

Renting is practical if you need a mobility scooter temporarily — for example, after surgery, on holiday in Rotterdam, or to try it out before buying. Rental companies in and around Rotterdam typically charge € 25 to € 50 per day, with discounted rates for the week or the weekend.

The WMO route is intended for people who cannot travel independently due to a permanent disability. The Municipality of Rotterdam then reimburses a mobility scooter — usually on loan, sometimes for a low personal contribution. Important to know: a WMO mobility scooter is not your choice of model, but that of the municipality. You receive the model that best suits your needs and the municipal contract.

The choice between buying and WMO is not an all-or-nothing one. Many people apply for WMO first and later purchase their own model anyway — for example, because they want a greater range, or a foldable version for the car.For a quick initial assessment, it is best to book a test drive: IVA brings the mobility scooter to your home in Rotterdam, you take a lap around your own street, and you immediately notice whether the dimensions and controls suit you.

Mobility scooter via the Municipality of Rotterdam (WMO): how the application works

You can start a WMO application for a mobility scooter at the Municipality of Rotterdam via the Tools page on rotterdam.nl. The application is free, the informal consultation usually follows within 2 to 6 weeks, and upon approval, you receive the mobility scooter on loan — sometimes with a low personal contribution depending on your income.

The process takes place in six steps. First, you submit your application via the municipality's General Customer Contact, either by telephone at 14 010 or via the digital portal. Next, a WMO consultant will call to schedule a kitchen table meeting. During that meeting, you will assess your situation together: do you live on the ground floor, how far do you want to travel, can you still move around safely, and what other aids do you already have? The consultant then provides a recommendation to the municipality, and if the application is granted, a contracted supplier will deliver the mobility scooter to your home.

Who is eligible? According to the WMO criteria, this concerns residents who, due to illness, old age, or disability, are unable to travel independently enough to maintain social contacts. This is broadly defined — moderate knee osteoarthritis that makes walking under 500 meters difficult is sufficient grounds. In the event of a rejection, you can lodge an objection within six weeks.

The personal contribution is capped at from 2026. € 21 per month for the WMO as a whole, regardless of how many assistive devices or care you use. For many people, it effectively remains free because their income falls below the social assistance threshold. The Municipality of Rotterdam does not charge an additional amount on top of this national maximum.

A WMO mobility scooter is registered in the name of the municipality. Maintenance, repairs, battery replacement, and roadside assistance are included as standard in the contract with the supplier — you pay nothing extra for this. However, you are responsible for daily use, such as charging and storing it indoors in a dry place. Insurance is provided by the municipality and you do not need to take it out yourself.

Which mobility scooter suits you? 3-wheel, 4-wheel, or foldable

The choice between a 3-wheeled, 4-wheeled, or foldable mobility scooter depends primarily on where and how you use it. For inner-city Rotterdam, with narrow sidewalks and short errands, a 3-wheeler has a tighter turning radius. For dikes, polders, and long journeys, a 4-wheeler is more stable. For those who want to take the mobility scooter in the car, taxi, or metro, a foldable model is the smartest choice.

3-wheeled mobility scooter. A 3-wheeler has one wheel at the front and two at the rear. The turning circle is short, often under 1.30 meters, which is handy in an apartment elevator or a busy shopping street in the center of Rotterdam. The disadvantage: when steering hard at high speed, a 3-wheeler feels less stable than a 4-wheeler. Suitable for: urban use, short trips, people with normal balance.

4-wheeled mobility scooter. A four-wheeler has two wheels at the front and two at the back — just like a car. The extra wheelbase provides a lot of stability at higher speeds and on uneven road surfaces, such as the cobblestones in Delfshaven or the tiled path along the Maas. Models like the IVA E1000 and the IVA Z1000 reach 17 to 18 km/h and have a range of 50 to 80 km. Suitable for: long trips, recreation, daily transport in and outside the city.

Folding mobility scooter. A foldable model folds into a compact package that fits in a car trunk in 10 seconds. The weight is usually between 25 and 35 kg.Are you not allowed to take it on the RET metro? That is correct — according to RET rules, the standard mobility scooter is not allowed on the metro. A foldable model that you fold up and place on the armrest is allowed as hand luggage. See our foldable mobility scooters if you travel a lot or live in an apartment without an elevator.

A handy rule of thumb: if you mainly drive within Rotterdam city centre, choose a 3-wheeler or a foldable mobility scooter. Do you want to go to the Kralingse Bos, Hoek van Holland, or the Brielse Maas? Then a 4-wheeler with a range of 60+ km is worthwhile. If in doubt: a home test drive is free and provides the most clarity.

Buying a mobility scooter in Rotterdam: prices, models, and home test drive

Buying a new mobility scooter in Rotterdam will cost between in 2026 € 1.999 and € 5.999. The difference lies mainly in range, top speed, seat comfort, and battery quality. Below the € 2.000 you will find entry-level models with a range of up to about 25 km — fine for daily errands in the neighborhood. Above the € 4.000 you are in the segment of premium 4-wheelers with lithium batteries, a range of 60 to 80 km, and full suspension.

When buying a mobility scooter in Rotterdam, you should pay particular attention to five points. One — range on a full battery, measured under realistic conditions and not just the manufacturer's figure. Two — top speed and its adjustability, so that you can use it safely on a sidewalk (6 km/h) or a bike path (17 km/h). Three — dimensions, especially if you need to maneuver it in an elevator or through a hallway. Four — seat comfort; a good swivel seat with armrests makes longer rides much more pleasant. Five — availability of service in your region, because you don't want to wait three weeks for a mechanic in case of a flat tire or a dead battery.

IVA Mobility delivers mobility scooters throughout Rotterdam: from Hillegersberg and Kralingen to Rotterdam-Zuid, Hoogvliet, and Pernis. You don't need to visit the showroom; we bring the model to your home for a test drive. This saves a lot of hassle if you have mobility issues or lack transportation to visit a store outside the city. Do you like the model? We will break it in on-site and explain the controls. Don't like it? We will take it back free of charge.

Buying second-hand is also an option, but be cautious with private purchases via Marktplaats: the lifespan of the batteries is difficult to assess without testing equipment, and a new battery pack quickly becomes expensive. € 600 to € 1.000. At a specialist retailer, you typically receive a 6-month warranty on a used model, plus a checked technical condition. For a first mobility scooter, we often recommend a used model; for daily use over a longer period, new is often more cost-effective in the long run.

Undecided between models? Always compare at least two mobility scooters during a test drive. One drives lightly and sportily, the other remains stable on cobblestones — you only notice the difference in practice. And always ask about the range at full load, not from a 70 kg test rider.

Maintenance, repair, and service for your mobility scooter in Rotterdam

A mobility scooter requires annual maintenance to continue driving safely and reliably. Just like with a car, a mechanic checks the tires, brakes, battery, lighting, and wiring. An annual service in Rotterdam costs between € 75 and € 150, including a short test drive. Anyone who has their mobility scooter through the WMO receives maintenance free of charge as standard via the municipal supplier.

The battery is the component that wears out the fastest. A lithium battery typically lasts 5 to 8 years, a lead-acid battery 2 to 4 years. You notice wear by a rapidly declining range: suddenly you can no longer get 40 km, but only 20.At IVA Mobility, our technical service tests the battery free of charge during maintenance, so you won't be faced with any surprises.

Home repairs are well organized in and around Rotterdam. Most suppliers offer roadside assistance and mobile repairs. At IVA, our technician comes to you throughout Rotterdam — from Spangen to Schiebroek and from IJsselmonde to Rozenburg. For larger repairs, we pick up the mobility scooter in a delivery van and deliver it back home after the repair. A loaner scooter ensures that you are not left without mobility in the meantime.

You can often solve minor problems yourself. You can temporarily fix a flat tire with tire sealant, adjust a slightly sticking brake with an Allen key, and restart a dead battery by charging it for ten minutes before switching it on. But electrical malfunctions, engine noises, or a rapidly draining battery are a sign that it is time for a professional.

Insurance is not legally mandatory for a mobility scooter, but it is highly recommended. Liability insurance costs approximately € 5 to € 10 per month and covers damage to third parties — for example, if you accidentally hit a car in a parking garage. Comprehensive insurance also covers damage to your own vehicle and theft, and is worthwhile for more expensive models. With a WMO mobility scooter, you do not need to arrange anything yourself; the municipality insures the vehicle.

Do you want to know where an IVA Mobility dealer or service point is located near you? View our dealer locator. From our head office in Dordrecht, we drive to Rotterdam daily for service, delivery, and test drives — usually within 24 to 48 hours of your request.

Frequently asked questions about a mobility scooter in Rotterdam

Is a mobility scooter free through the WMO?

In Rotterdam, a mobility scooter under the WMO is usually on loan free of charge. From 2026, you will pay a maximum € 21 monthly personal contribution for the entire WMO combined, regardless of how many assistive devices or care you receive. Residents below a certain income threshold are exempt from the personal contribution. Maintenance, repair, and insurance are always included.

Who is eligible for a free mobility scooter?

A free mobility scooter via the WMO is intended for residents of Rotterdam who are unable to travel independently due to illness, old age, or a disability. The municipality assesses this through a kitchen table conversation. Examples include moderate to severe osteoarthritis, heart failure, COPD with a limited walking distance, or a neurological condition. A diagnosis from the general practitioner or specialist helps substantiate the eligibility.

Can you get a mobility scooter from the Municipality of Rotterdam?

Yes, the Municipality of Rotterdam provides mobility scooters through the WMO. You can report your need via 14 010 or the digital portal at rotterdam.nl. A WMO consultant will visit for a kitchen table conversation and assess whether you are eligible. If approved, a contracted supplier will deliver the mobility scooter to your home within 2 to 6 weeks.

What is better: a mobility scooter with 3 or 4 wheels?

A 3-wheeled mobility scooter is more maneuverable and has a tighter turning radius — ideal for inner-city use in Rotterdam. A 4-wheeled mobility scooter is more stable at higher speeds and on uneven surfaces, and is safer for long journeys and rural areas. For most users exceeding 16 km/h, a 4-wheeler is the safer choice.

How long does a WMO application for a mobility scooter take in Rotterdam?

A WMO application in Rotterdam takes an average of 2 to 6 weeks from notification to delivery. The informal consultation is scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks, the decision-making follows within 8 weeks after the consultation, and the supplier delivers within 1 to 2 weeks thereafter. In urgent cases, the municipality can initiate an expedited procedure, with delivery within 2 weeks.

How much does a mobility scooter cost in Rotterdam?

A new mobility scooter costs between in Rotterdam € 1.999 and € 5.999, depending on type, range, and equipment. Entry-level models with a 25 km range start around € 1.999. Premium 4-wheelers with lithium batteries and a range of 60 to 80 km cost € 4.000 to € 5.999. A used mobility scooter at a specialist dealer costs from € 999, with a 6-month warranty.

Can you rent a mobility scooter in Rotterdam?

Renting a mobility scooter in Rotterdam costs € 25 to € 50 per day, with discounted rates for the week or the weekend. Renting is ideal for temporary use after surgery, during a family vacation, or to try out a model before you buy. At IVA Mobility, you can book a test drive at home — free of charge, with no obligation to buy.

Are you allowed to take a mobility scooter on the metro or tram in Rotterdam?

According to RET regulations, a standard mobility scooter is not allowed on the metro or tram. However, foldable mobility scooters are permitted as hand luggage, as they fit under the seat when folded. On buses, a mobility scooter is permitted under certain conditions if it is a maximum of 1.20 meters long, 70 cm wide, and weighs 300 kg. Always check the current rules with RET in advance.

What is the range of a mobility scooter?

In 2026, the range of a mobility scooter will typically be between 20 and 80 kilometers per full battery charge. Entry-level models achieve 20 to 30 km, mid-range models 40 to 50 km, and premium four-wheelers with lithium batteries up to 80 km. The actual range is always 20 to 30 percent lower than the manufacturer's stated range, depending on driving style, rider weight, incline, and ambient temperature.

Where can you get a mobility scooter repaired in Rotterdam?

In Rotterdam, you can have a mobility scooter repaired at specialized suppliers and medical supply stores. Many parties, including IVA Mobility, offer home repairs: a technician comes to you and resolves minor malfunctions on the spot. For major repairs, we pick up the mobility scooter in a transport van. For WMO mobility scooters, repairs are always free of charge through the municipality's contracted supplier.

Ready for a mobility scooter in Rotterdam?

Whether you want to buy outright, rent first, or apply for a WMO — IVA Mobility helps you move forward. View our complete range of mobility scooters, Compare models and book a no-obligation test drive at your home in Rotterdam. We will come by with the mobility scooter of your choice, you take a spin, and then you decide at your leisure. Would you prefer personal advice first? Call 085 401 6831 or view the dealer locator for a service point near you.